Befriending Networks and Befrienders Highland launch Highlands Conference report
The conference aimed;
- To increase the profile of social isolation and loneliness in the Highlands with all stakeholders.
- To bring together groups and organisations in the Highlands who are working to reduce social isolation and loneliness, and to build understanding of what others are doing and build connections between them.
- To use recent data on social isolation and loneliness in the Highlands to encourage action to support public health outcomes and improve joint working across different sectors.
- To bring a range of different stakeholders to the discussion to increase understanding of the impact of befriending interventions and stimulate support for further investment in befriending.
The report provides a policy-oriented analysis of the key themes that emerged from the small group discussions focused on understanding and addressing social isolation and loneliness in the Highlands. It aims to inform decision-makers in health, social care, and local and national government of the challenges and opportunities identified by practitioners and community representatives.
With the recognition that, in Scotland, the loneliest age groups are our oldest (those aged 75+) and our youngest adults (16-24 year olds) residents. The report mentioned that welcoming and accessible community spaces was seen as critical to sustaining social interaction and community cohesion and for these spaces to also be intergenerational.
It also suggests that all partners should consider loneliness and isolation across the life course and the opportunities to take an intergenerational response. Read the full Conference Report.